"Decoration Day" ~ Federer Family Reunion...

I was chatting with Carlene about how much Grandma Federer loved to put flowers on the graves each year. She called it "Decoration Day." Carlene suggested that we have a mini family reunion and meet at Grandpa and Grandma Federer's grave to decorate them. Lloyd offered to have a barbeque at his place. After we found out Mom was so sick, we weren't sure if we should have the reunion. After talking with Lloyd we decided to proceed and I'm so glad we did.

Decoration Day ~ Federer Family Reunion

Saturday, July 12, 2014

 

We all met at Grandpa and Grandma's grave and had a nice time visiting and reminiscing.

Grandma always wanted the graves cleaned off and the grass trimmed. That's what Jimmy and Casey were doing.

 Neveah was holding the balloons for me.

Lloyd ~ Neveah ~ Jimmy ~ Declan

Carl and sweet, miracle baby Callie!

Handsome cowboy, Jimmy!

Being with our family was just what my brothers and I needed. I know it would make Mom happy that we were together.

Kenny ~ Carl ~ Callie

A respectable turn out for our mini reunion. We decided to make this an annual event.

 
The grandchildren released the balloons and we watched them go heavenward.

It was a sweet moment as we remembered our Federer heritage and Grandpa and Grandma.

We also stopped at Uncle Carl grave on our way to Lloyd's.

Jim and Gloria's graves were nearby Uncle Carl's. We were happy that their son Greg could come to the reunion.

I love my brother Kenny, he has poor health and I worry about him.

A lovely night for a barbecue at "Off the Hook Ranch"

Jimmy was the grill master and everyone brought yummy salads and desserts.

 Lloyd couldn't wait for a dog!

We sure love Mary Kay!

 Heidi ~ Me ~ Jasper ~ Mandy

 Love my brothers...

Love Jimmy...

Love my classy cousin Carlene...

 Oh Raeland...

Raeland and Rhonda, the kids had a blast playing around Lloyd's place. Rhonda worked all day cleaning Lloyd's home and getting things ready for the barbeque. She is so kind and I'm happy she and Lloyd are friends!

Callie was hungry!

 Lloyd's neighbor, Budweiser Jim crashed the Party!

Kenny is never happier than when he is with his boys.

 

Lloyd loved hosting this party at his place. We all had a great time and no one wanted the party to end...

so Budweiser Jim, Theo and Riley got busy chopping some wood for a...

big fire. We made s'mores and sat by the fire. It was fantastic.

To top the night off there was an incredible full moon.

Even though we were away from Mom for a few hours, we still felt like this get together was important for our family. A nurse stayed with Mom and told us she would call if anything changed. That meant so much to us. We were back by her bedside early the next morning.